The Good German (2006) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 105 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Upscaled 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
HDR Format: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
️ Video – 4.0 out of 5
Though The Good German is sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, Warner Bros.’ upscaled 4K presentation offers welcome refinements to Soderbergh’s highly stylized homage to Golden Age cinema. The Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading enhance contrast in this black-and-white film, offering a more stable image and more nuanced grayscale separation, especially in shadowy interiors and war-ravaged Berlin exteriors. Film grain is retained naturally, though the source’s soft, diffuse lighting and intentionally retro visual style limit any “wow” factor in fine detail. The result is a subtle but notable upgrade over the Blu-ray—one that complements the film’s period aesthetic beautifully.
Audio – 4.0 out of 5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is modest but effective. True to its 1940s inspiration, the mix heavily favors the center channel with crisp dialogue, while the surround channels provide restrained but welcome ambiance—street sounds, crowd murmurs, and atmospheric cues. Thomas Newman’s score is the standout element here, subtly enveloping the viewer with emotional weight. It’s a quiet track overall, with no bombastic effects, but it’s well-mastered and clean.
Special Features – 0.5 out of 5
Unfortunately, this release offers only one bonus feature:
• Theatrical Trailer (2:25)
There are no new interviews, commentaries, or featurettes, which is a letdown given the film’s unique production history and stylistic intent. A Soderbergh commentary or archival behind-the-scenes look would’ve added great value.
⭐ Overall – 3.5 out of 5
The Good German is a fascinating but divisive experiment from Steven Soderbergh—less a gripping mystery than a visual love letter to 1940s studio filmmaking. The 4K disc faithfully preserves that aesthetic, with the HDR treatment giving the grayscale imagery added richness and texture. While the audio is subtle and extras are nearly nonexistent, this UHD release is a welcome restoration and overdue upgrade of a film long absent from Blu-ray shelves. Recommended for film scholars, Soderbergh fans, and classic cinema enthusiasts.
$29.99
Out of stock
The Good German (2006) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 105 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Upscaled 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
HDR Format: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
️ Video – 4.0 out of 5
Though The Good German is sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, Warner Bros.’ upscaled 4K presentation offers welcome refinements to Soderbergh’s highly stylized homage to Golden Age cinema. The Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading enhance contrast in this black-and-white film, offering a more stable image and more nuanced grayscale separation, especially in shadowy interiors and war-ravaged Berlin exteriors. Film grain is retained naturally, though the source’s soft, diffuse lighting and intentionally retro visual style limit any “wow” factor in fine detail. The result is a subtle but notable upgrade over the Blu-ray—one that complements the film’s period aesthetic beautifully.
Audio – 4.0 out of 5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is modest but effective. True to its 1940s inspiration, the mix heavily favors the center channel with crisp dialogue, while the surround channels provide restrained but welcome ambiance—street sounds, crowd murmurs, and atmospheric cues. Thomas Newman’s score is the standout element here, subtly enveloping the viewer with emotional weight. It’s a quiet track overall, with no bombastic effects, but it’s well-mastered and clean.
Special Features – 0.5 out of 5
Unfortunately, this release offers only one bonus feature:
• Theatrical Trailer (2:25)
There are no new interviews, commentaries, or featurettes, which is a letdown given the film’s unique production history and stylistic intent. A Soderbergh commentary or archival behind-the-scenes look would’ve added great value.
⭐ Overall – 3.5 out of 5
The Good German is a fascinating but divisive experiment from Steven Soderbergh—less a gripping mystery than a visual love letter to 1940s studio filmmaking. The 4K disc faithfully preserves that aesthetic, with the HDR treatment giving the grayscale imagery added richness and texture. While the audio is subtle and extras are nearly nonexistent, this UHD release is a welcome restoration and overdue upgrade of a film long absent from Blu-ray shelves. Recommended for film scholars, Soderbergh fans, and classic cinema enthusiasts.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.